1. Malala Yousafzai
How would you describe someone who is badass? A person who knows their ambitions and aspirations and is confident in what they believe in. They're proud of themselves, their identity, where they come from, and what they stand for.
Would you call yourself a badass? The way I have defined it, I would say yes, of course.
What issues are currently at the forefront for young women? I think about the activism of women in Afghanistan right now. The Taliban is back in power, and women in the past 20 years have seen a very different life — they were able to enroll in schools and take jobs. Today they are protesting for those rights because they cannot imagine living the way they lived under the Taliban in 1996.
With education being a cause so close to your heart, what did it feel like walking across the stage in a formal graduation ceremony in November? It was a very special moment for me. Receiving my degree from Oxford is a dream come true. I stood up for education at age 11, when the Taliban was banning girls from going to school. I remember that day vividly when I could not go to school; I wanted to be in a classroom. Looking at my graduation pictures is a reminder that this might not have been possible if the Taliban had remained in [Pakistan's] Swat Valley, if people had not heard our voices. I may not have been able to reach this point.
How has your activism championing education led you to work with MasterClass? I started using MasterClass a few years ago, and I think it's not only bringing inspiring video lessons, it's also attempting to change how we see education, which is oftentimes limited to schools. Don't leave that passion for learning behind you; we should always consider ourselves students. I've learned from my mentors and friends and from experiencing what activism is like through speaking for myself, and I was honored by the opportunity to share my advocacy journey.
Marriage is a social construct, so if we created it, we can change it. We can make it inclusive, feminist, and equal for everybody.
— MALALA YOUSAFZAI
What encouraged you to speak out about your marriage and share your thoughts on the institution? We know how marriage has been a patriarchal institution. Historically, it has not favored women. Even now, in communities around the world, it does not favor women. But if you find a best friend in life and that person loves you and understands your concerns, you can start a journey together and help each other through. Marriage is a social construct, so if we created it, we can change it. We can make it inclusive, feminist, and equal for everybody.
We loved seeing you included in HBO Max's Friends reunion! What are some of your favorite TV shows to binge-watch? Ooh, I love Ted Lasso! I also really enjoyed Sex Education. I recently watched Zoolander 2 and they mentioned my name, which I didn't know about, so that was quite interesting to see.
Looking ahead, what are you ambitious for? I'm starting a production company, so I'm really excited for that. I can produce content that brings new perspectives, especially from young women and women of color. I'm passionate about engaging girls in conversations about equality and climate change. It's inspiring to see young women share their stories.
2. Julie Rikelman
Rikelman considers her most gutsy qualities to be integrity, courage, and tenacity, all of which have served her well in her role as senior litigation director for the Center for Reproductive Rights. In 2020, she successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve access to abortion in Louisiana, but the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the subsequent appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett left the fate of Roe v. Wade uncertain. Rikelman once again argued before the court in December of last year with Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, concerning a Mississippi abortion ban after 15 weeks that, if upheld, would effectively overturn Roe v. Wade. "It's critical for people to be able to make these kinds of personal decisions about their bodies, lives, and health for themselves," says Rikelman. "As a mom, I know pregnancy has unique demands and life-altering consequences for families. It's not the type of decision that the government should make for us."
3. Bisa Butler
"I decided to become a professional quilter 20 years ago when that was not considered a serious art medium, but I knew it was right for me," says Butler, whose vivid quilted portraits of African Americans depict revered historical figures, contemporary icons, and everyday people. Her work has been featured everywhere from magazines and book covers to the Art Institute of Chicago, where her first solo museum exhibition was showcased in 2021. "I work my butt off to make sure my art represents myself and my people strongly," she says. "I think that makes me a badass."